Company description

The West Chester Cooperative, a member-owned business, is committed to providing the local community with fresh, healthy, and affordable food. Over 617 households in the West Chester area have purchased ownership shares in the Co-op, giving them equal voting rights in board elections and shaping the organization’s direction. Led by a 10-person volunteer board and supported by active volunteers, the Co-op is expanding to build a sustainable, full-service grocery store that will meet the needs of the entire West Chester community, regardless of income or membership status.

West Chester Cooperative is following an established business model with guidance from Food Co-op Initiative (FCI), a national organization that supports the creation and growth of food cooperatives. We successfully opened and operated a temporary grocery store to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic in West Chester, which proved the concept is viable. This venture also allowed us to establish a supplier network with independent farms and food providers throughout Chester County, as well as with a buying club serving the cooperative grocery industry.

Using FCI’s model, the West Chester Cooperative is currently at stage 3(a), Pre-Construction. We have signed a 5-year lease for space in the heart of West Chester, which will make us the only full-service grocery store in the borough.

Job description

General Manager Job Description

The West Chester Cooperative (WCC) is seeking its first General Manager (GM)! The WCC is a startup food retail cooperative located in a vibrant, diverse downtown in West Chester, PA. The GM will report to the WCC Board of Directors and be responsible for the opening and subsequent operation of an urban grocery store. We welcome applications from highly motivated, energetic leaders with managerial experience in the grocery industry and a strong knowledge of, and commitment to, cooperative values. This position will require the ability to work on weekends, holidays, and extended hours as needed.

Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000, plus bonus potential (Salary is Negotiable)

Overview of Responsibilities

• Oversee store opening including management of project consultants and hiring of staff.
• Develop, implement, and manage merchandising and marketing strategy that meets the needs of the membership and the broader community.
• Supervise all store operations including financial, member management, customer service, and human resource needs.
  Greet customers warmly, answer customer inquiries about products, services, and WCC membership benefits.
• Handle customer complaints, inquiries, and requests with professionalism and courtesy.
• Maintain the store by stocking shelves, displays, and coolers with products, ensuring proper rotation and presentation.
• Work with the Board of Directors to regularly update operational and capital budgets and plan.
• Represent the WCC in vendor relationships, contract development, and community outreach.
• Monitor member-owner engagement and contribute to continued growth.
• Set goals and take tangible actions to make WCC an inclusive, active community institution for all.
• Build teams and hold staff accountable in a way that builds trust and commitment.
• Address complex issues and communicate collaboratively with board members, leaders, and staff.
• Oversee the proper usage and maintenance of equipment, ensuring all machinery operates efficiently, and promptly identify and address any issues or malfunctions.
• Identify and assess issues with property and utilities, coordinating with appropriate services and methods to resolve problems effectively and maintain operational integrity.
• Hire qualified personnel as needed to run the store efficiently and effectively.
• Other related duties assigned by the board.

Desired Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED Required
• 5 years of experience in the natural foods sector, cooperative experience is a plus
• Experience opening or expanding a retail store or significant department within a retail store
• Real world strategic/business planning and marketing experience
• Experience working on or with a Board of Directors
• Knowledge of policy governance model

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent math and communication skills
• High level of computer proficiency and familiarity with Microsoft Office applications
• Experience in prioritizing work, with a strong sense of urgency
  Superior organization, time management, and follow-up skills
  Responsible, reliable, and proactive multitask
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrates strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to have difficult conversations

Environmental & Physical Demands

• Able to stand and walk for up to 8 hours
• Regularly lift and/or move items up to 20 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds
• Able to perform various activities such as frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, and squatting
• Ability to use equipment, such as computers, phones, and other communication devices.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills, which may require speaking for extended periods and the ability to listen actively.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and extended hours as needed.

Benefits

• Performance rewards and recognition
• Access to competitive benefits plan
• Contribution to retirement savings
• Competitive Paid Time Off
• Employee discounts available
• Additional income protection benefits

West Chester Food Cooperative (WCC) reserves the right in its absolute discretion to add to your duties or amend this job description at any time. In addition to the above duties, you will carry out such other duties as the WCC reasonably directs from time to time. Relocation negotiable.

WCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. WCC will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements applicable state or local laws and ordinances. WCC is a drug free workplace.

West Chester Food Cooperative will not commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position at this time (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration).

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline